Did you lock yourself out of your garage door? Or is your remote controller or keypad getting wonky? Knowing how to reprogram a garage door opener will save you from the frustration of figuring out the problem or running late for an important appointment.
In this post, we’ll share basic garage door opener programming that you can try on your own. But if nothing works, you can always call us at California Garage Door Repair for an expert and quick fix!
When do you need to reprogram a garage keypad or remote
You don’t always have to reprogram your keypad or remote once you set it. However, some situations may call for this step, including the following:
- There was a power outage. If you don’t have a battery backup or you have an old unit, you may have to reset the garage opener after a power outage.
- Your remote is lost or stolen. Reprogramming your garage door opener will secure your property from potential unauthorized access once your remote was stolen. This will erase the lost remote from the opener’s system and allow you to program a replacement.
- You replaced the battery in the remote. In some cases, the garage opener battery replacement may cause the opener to reset the remote in its system. In this case, you’ll have to reconnect it again to your opener once the new batteries are on.
- The remote or keypad is malfunctioning. If your keypad or remote isn’t working properly, the first garage opener troubleshooting you can do is to reset and reprogram the unit. Sometimes, their connection can get spotty, and reprogramming would solve the problem.
- You’re moving to a new property. If you’re moving to a new home, it will be wise to program a new garage remote into the system for security purposes.
Steps to reprogram a garage door opener
When reprogramming a garage door opener, the steps depend on why type of control you’re using. It can be a remote controller or a keypad, which we discussed in separate sections below.
Universal garage keypad programming
If you’re doing a garage opener code reset for LiftMaster, Genie, or Chamberlain door openers, the following are the general steps you can take if you’re reprogramming using your keypad or wall control:
Step 1. Clear your garage door
Before starting the reprogramming process, make sure that your garage door is free of obstructions. You should also keep kids and pets away in case the door operates unexpectedly while you’re working on the opener.
Step 2. Press the ‘Learn’ or ‘Program’ button
Next, press the ‘Learn’ or ‘Program’ button on your door keypad until you see the LED light start flashing.
However, if you want to change a pre-programmed PIN, press the # button until you see the garage door opener light blink twice.
Step 3. Enter your 3 to 8-digit PIN
After that, enter your new PIN code as soon as you see the light flash. Press the ‘Enter’ button or the up and down buttons if you have a universal Genie keypad.
Step 4. Test your garage door
Lastly, try opening your door using your newly programmed PIN code and see if it works. If your door opens without a hitch, you’re all set.
However, if the reprogramming doesn’t work, you can retry the steps from the beginning. If it still doesn’t stick, you might need professional garage door opener repair or a keypad replacement.
Alternative method: reprogramming using your garage door opener
If you have access to your garage door opener, you simply have to locate the yellow button at the back of the opener. Press it and check the indicator light, which starts blinking.
After that, go back to your keypad and enter the new PIN code that you want to use. After that, test your door to see if you’ve successfully changed the garage door code.
Important note: Some of these steps may vary, depending on the specific keypad and opener model you have. We suggest referring to your garage door opener manual for the specific instructions or call us at California Garage Door Repair and our technicians will fix the problem for you.
Universal garage remote programming
The following are the steps on how to program a remote opener for most universal models. This works if you want to delete an old remote and reprogram a new one or simply reconnect your current controller.
Step 1. Press the ‘Learn’ button on your opener
First, use a ladder and locate the ‘Learn’ button or yellow button on your garage door opener. Press and release it immediately, and you’ll see the LED indicator light glow steadily.
If you’re using your wall control or keypad to program a remote, you should press the ‘Learn’ or ‘Program’ button twice. After that, you’ll see the LED indicator light blink twice. This means that your opener is ready to reprogram a new remote controller.
Step 2. Press your remote control button
Within 30 seconds of pressing the button on your garage door opener, you need to press the remote control that you wish to program or reprogram. Take note that you only need to press and release; a long press isn’t necessary.
After that, your garage door opener light will flash, or you’ll hear two clicks, which means you have successfully programmed your remote control.
If you wish to program multiple garage remotes on one opener, just repeat steps 1 and 2 for each remote controller. However, this depends on the type of opener model you have and if it supports multiple remote programming.
Step 3. Test your garage door
Lastly, try opening your door using the new remote control you’ve just programmed. If your door opens and closes properly, then you have successfully connected the remote, and you don’t have to take any further steps.
However, if your garage remote is not working after reprogramming, you can try repeating the steps above. Also, make sure that you’re holding the remote at arm’s length from the opener to make sure that it will receive the signal properly.
If everything else fails, you can call our emergency garage door repair service and our technician will troubleshoot the problem. We can repair your opener or provide you with a replacement remote in case your current one is faulty.
Troubleshooting common issues when reprograming a garage door opener
Openers are often the cause of common garage door problems, including programming issues. Here are some of the common concerns of LA locals whenever they call us for door opener-related services:
1. The garage opener won't reprogram despite repetitive attempts.
If your keypad or remote won’t program despite repeated attempts, it’s possible that your controllers are damaged or your opener is faulty.
We can address both of these garage door repair needs on the same day. Our technicians will inspect your unit to identify what’s causing the programming failure of your opener or controller.
2. The door is not moving after programming a keypad or remote.
If your garage door doesn’t open despite successfully reprogramming a new keypad or remote, you have to check for the following:
- Safety sensors. Make sure your safety sensors aren’t blocked or misaligned, which can interfere with your door’s normal operation.
- Distance from the opener. Wireless keypads and remotes will only work at a certain distance from your opener unit. Most of the time, an opener remote will work within a 20- to 50-foot range—anything farther than that will cause intermittent operation.
- Limit settings. You should also check the limit settings of your garage door, which you may have accidentally altered while pressing buttons the opener. For this, you can refer to your door’s manual or you can call garage door experts like us to handle the troubleshooting for you.
3. The opener’s light keeps flashing after programming.
If you’ve synced a garage door opener and the unit’s light keeps flashing, you probably did not finish the entire process.
Remember to press the remote or keypad within 30 seconds of pressing the opener button. It’s best to finish the process fast to avoid losing connection with the opener and starting over again.
However, if you’ve followed all the steps and this problem persists, you may want to get your garage door opener checked. You can contact us at California Garage Door Repair and we will send our technician as soon as possible.
Common questions about garage door opener programming
What should I do if my garage door opener stops working after programming?
If your opener malfunctions after you programmed a controller, you should check first if your remote’s batteries are working. If it’s fresh, then you may have to repeat the programming process to reset the opener.
However, if this doesn’t solve the problem, you’re better off calling a professional to fix the garage door problem.
Can I program multiple remote controllers to one garage door opener?
Yes, modern garage door openers now support multiple controllers. Usually, you’ll have to perform the same steps for each remote you want to connect. Still, make sure you check the opener’s manual to see if it supports this multi-control feature.
Is it possible to reset a garage keypad without code?
Yes, but you’ll have to do the reset on your garage door opener unit. To do this, you need to press the ‘Learn’ button at the back of your opener until you see a blinking light. After that, you can enter a new code to override the old combination.
How often should I reprogram my garage door opener?
There’s really no set schedule as to when you have to reprogram your garage door opener. However, if you’re worried that the code or remote has been compromised, it will be wise to do a quick reset to refresh your code or connect a new remote.
How will I know if my garage door opener is compatible with my new remote control?
You can check your unit’s manual to find compatible remote control replacements. Ideally, you’d want to get a remote from the same brand or an OEM option that works for your unit. When in doubt, call California Garage Door Repair, and we’ll provide you with a compatible remote control to avoid the guesswork.
Maintenance tips for your garage door opener
Aside from knowing how to reprogram your garage door opener, proper maintenance is also crucial to ensure its smooth operation. With that said, here are some of the tips we give our clients whenever we fix their garage door issues:
- Keep your remote batteries in check. To prevent getting locked out of your garage door, make sure that your remote control has fresh batteries.
- Consider a battery backup. Power outages and surges could mess up the programming of your garage door opener. Installing a battery backup can prevent this from happening, so your door remains operational no matter what.
- Watch out for unusual noises. If your opener suddenly produces a grinding, squeaking, or banging sound, you should have it checked by a licensed technician. Strange noises are tell-tale signs of a looming problem, which can cause severe damage to your opener.
- Consider professional maintenance. If you rely heavily on your garage door opener for daily chores, it’s important to keep it in tip-top shape. You can schedule regular checks to spot and repair issues before they disrupt your daily routines.
Need expert help to program or reset a garage door opener?
If you need help reprogramming your garage door opener, all you have to do is contact us at California Garage Door Repair. Our licensed and insured technicians can fix just about any garage door problem you have on the same day.
We have 18+ years of experience fixing any garage door type, make, and model. As a family-owned company, we deliver the same quality of service we want for our own homes.
Aside from garage door opener services, we also provide garage door spring repair and replacement, roll up door repair, new garage door installation, and more. We’re on call 24/7, wherever you are in Los Angeles and surrounding areas.
So, if you need a one-stop team to handle all your garage door problems, call California Garage Door Repair. Depending on your location and availability, our technicians can reach you as fast as 1 hour.
